Shore cops rescue 2 from house fire

Two police officers in a Jersey Shore community spotted a house fire and rescued two residents early Tuesday morning, authorities say.

Ocean Township officers Chris Clune and Arthur Barnek were on routine patrol in the Monmouth County municipality shortly after 3:30 a.m. when they noticed ash in the air and smoke in the distance, department spokesman Det. Lt. Timothy R. Torchia said.

As they approached the apparent source, they saw flames and heavier smoke coming from the rear of a Maidenstone Drive residence.

Barnek and Clune requested the fire department and immediately ran towards the house to rouse and evacuate the family, according to Torchia.

The officers first encountered the homeowner, who was holding a small child and alerted them that there was another child in an upstairs bedroom.

“Barnek quickly ran upstairs, retrieved the child from her crib, and exited the residence. After Barnek exited the residence, Clune conducted a search of the first floor, locating another family member sleeping in a bedroom. He was escorted from the residence and all family members were accounted for,”  Torchia said.

An investigation remains under investigation by the fire marshal, who determined that the fire originated from an exterior electrical light planted in mulch, the spokesman said.